Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		3.5
Audio		4.5
Extras		3.0
Overall		3.5

Koko-di Koko-da Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf February 17, 2022

If Lars Von Trier made “Groundhog Day,” it would probably resemble much of “Koko-Di Koko-Da.” It’s a story about grief, focusing on the loss of a child, but writer/director Johannes Nyholm doesn’t approach the topic head-on. He plays with ideas on suffering and communication blockage between a pained couple, using a time loop premise to generate a horror film to help keep viewers in a state of suspense while the writing explores emotional damage from a unique perspective.

“Koko-Di Koko-Da” opens with an emotionally devastating first act, tracking the decline of a day out for Tobias (Leif Edlund) and Elin (Yiva Gallon), who are enjoying time with their young daughter. A medical emergency involving Elin soon results in the loss of their child, and while that alone is enough to power a searing drama, Nyholm moves everything into the surreal, offering shadow puppet imagery and the time loop issue, where the couple is discovered and tortured by a pack of relentless strangers. The gimmick has its pressure points, but there’s a more interesting movie in the first 30 minutes of “Koko-Di Koko-Da,” which examines familial support, love, and tragedy with genuine surprises. Once genre elements come for the material, Nyholm exposes the limitations of the production.

Koko-di Koko-da Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.85:1 aspect ratio) presentation largely remains in the forest, offering distinct greenery, with camping gear exploring brighter oranges and blues. Costuming provides clear primaries, along with hospital interiors. Skintones are natural. Detail delivers dimensional forest views and textured facial surfaces. Delineation is satisfactory.

Koko-di Koko-da Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 5.1 DTS-HD MA mix manages the feature's nightmare realm with compelling energy, offering fresh atmospherics in the woods and crisp character movement, working into the surrounds. Dialogue exchanges are sharp and emotive. Scoring selections are crisp, with engaging instrumentation. Low- end offers some power with scenes of travel and violence.

Koko-di Koko-da Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Commentary features writer/director Johannes Nyholm and actor Leif Edlund.

• Behind the Scenes (HD) included "ADR Session with Musician Simon Ohlsson and actor Peter Belli" (:55), "Playing with Fake Body Parts" (:37), "Rehearsing the Sampo Car Crash Stunt" (:41), and "Sound Recording the 'Dog Attacks Tobias in a Tent' Scene" (7:19).

• Deleted Scenes (HD) include "Old Intro" (1:59), "Drake" (:20), "Gas Station" (3:34), "Shadowplay" (:25), and "Skagen Carry Back" (:40).

• Short Films (HD) "Puppetboy" (27:46 – 2008) and "Las Palmas" (13:34 – 2011) are offered.

• And a Theatrical Trailer (1:51, HD) is included.

Koko-di Koko-da Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Koko-Di Koko-Da" gets very weird, but the core message of human connection and marital bonds remains, as the couple has to work through a fantasyland of pain to deal with their grief. Nyholm doesn't have a cohesive film in the end, but he has powerful ideas on relationships and the brutal challenges they often face.